Saving Ourselves: From Climate Shocks to Climate Action

by Dana R. Fisher

We've known for decades that climate change is an existential crisis. For just as long, we've seen the complete failure of our institutions to rise to the challenge. Governments have struggled to meet even modest goals. Fossil fuel interests maintain a stranglehold on political and economic power. Even though we have seen growing concern from everyday people, civil society has succeeded only in pressuring decision makers to adopt watered-down policies. All the while, the climate crisis worsens. Is there any hope of achieving the systemic change we need?Dana R. Fisher argues that there is a realistic path forward for climate action―but only through mass mobilization that responds to the growing severity and frequency of disastrous events. She assesses the current state of affairs and shows why public policy and private-sector efforts have been ineffective. Spurred by this lack of progress, climate activism has become increasingly confrontational. Fisher examines the radical flank of the climate its emergence and growth, its use of direct action, and how it might evolve as the climate crisis worsens. She considers when and how activism is most successful, identifying the importance of creating community, capitalizing on shocking moments, and cultivating resilience. Clear-eyed yet optimistic, Saving Ourselves offers timely insights on how social movements can take power back from deeply entrenched interests and open windows of opportunity for transformative climate action.

Genres: Nonfiction, Environment, Politics, Sustainability, Climate Change, Nature

224 pages, Hardcover

Published February 13, 2024

Reviews

[Dakota · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well done, well researched and the passion from the author is there. However, as someone who wants to make a difference fighting back against the climate crisis I did not learn anything new. Summary of the book: the climate crisis is indeed a crisis and we, the folks pushing back against that crisis, are losing because of power and greed of the fossil fuel industry.

A bit repetitive.

After finishing the book, I find myself still unaware how society saves itself.

[Margaret Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

short, readable, evidence based argument that the only force that can impact the climate trajectory that we are on is civil society--we the people and the best way to do that is mass, disruptive action. That climate shocks because of the impacts around the globe will mean living with business as usual is less and less tenable. Connection, resilience and disruption.

[Lydia Woolley]

Yupppppp im in the first 10 reviews babyyyy 😎😎😎😎 Very thorough, well researched, and concise. Really good review of US legislation (at the federal level) and international law on climate change for the last decade or so. Makes a good argument for it having been completely ineffective, and also makes a strong argument that when democrats are in power, activism around climate becomes completely impotent and sluggish, and generally fails to hold progressive officials accountable.

I’d say it makes a fairly convincing argument that the radical flank is crucial at times like these, when legislation and incremental measures are failing us, but I’d like to read something next that’s a little more historically grounded. Radical disruptive action is definitely the fad right now, but we still don’t know how exactly it translates to real change under the current circumstances.

The best example of radical disruption working in the US is probably during the civil rights era, but that was carried out by activists who were deeply connected to the Black church and had a community to support them. That’s not necessarily the case for contemporary climate activists.

On that note, the most convincing part was probably that at this stage, developing resilient communities that can withstand and rebuild after climate shocks is one of the most important things we can do. Bleak, but reminds me how important it is to invest in those things alongside and via activism.

Not ground breaking, I don’t think, but extremely useful as a resource to the radical flank, and gives ample evidence to support importance of disruptive tactics.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastically insightful read about global and American climate politics that explains why 30 years of climate conferences have failed to bring about a meaningful reduction in CO2 emissions. Ms. Fisher intelligently advocates for: different types of climate crisis resistance that move us "from Climate Shocks to Climate Action;" building communities of climate change protestors that seek to morally shock civil society into broader climate action, based on the ideals of American 1960s civil rights' movement. The author also provides a neo-climate philosophy: "It's probably going to get a lot worse before it gets better", - apocalyptic optimism. And for those who aren't sure yet, the book clearly states that: the fossil fuel industry isn't just going to hand over its domination of our lives, its vested interests in our political economy - we, through radical climate activism will have to lead the way and convince many others that a better, and safer climate future begins with us demanding that our governments develop policies that enable us to stop burning fossil fuels. Moreover, we have to demand through our collective climate actions that our governments endorse policies that codify our much needed transition to renewable energy - and embrace the anthro- shift to an environmental state.

[Lisa Konet · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I need to take a break from reading climatology books for awhile. They just make me sad, angry and depressed. There are simple changes to help excessive CO2 like changing what you eat, but food and what people eat is a heavy topic; everyone has an opinion. The grains being used to fatten up animals used in animal agriculture can be used to feed to feed the global population. That is just for starters....

This is about climate anxiety, which I know I have. This book is about being a climate activist and talking about easy changes in daily life. I felt this was more how to be an activist and effect the towns you live in.

Just ok.

Recommended.

Thanks to Netgalley, Dana R Fisher, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Available:
3/5/2024

[Mollie Middleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written and approachable. This book approaches climate change activism in an important way, acknowledging what we can do as individuals and groups, as well as detailing protest culture and activism. Fisher acknowledges that climate goals will not be met, but that “climate shocks” will motivate climate actions as the world continues to see increases in natural disasters due to climate change. As well as a rise of a more “radical flank” of climate activism in response. She also provides suggestions to focus on community, moral shocks, and resilience as it is no longer a question of if it will happen but rather when it will happen. I like the quotes that she pulled for this book! Very relevant and recent!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book (if “enjoy” is the right word for a sober warning about our collective future). I received it in the mail just yesterday afternoon and finished it today - it’s a succinct and really engaging summary of where we are now in the battle against climate change (spoiler alert- NOT in a good place, not at all…). I recommend everyone read it; it’s scary but also includes concrete ideas about what we should do now that we are out of time. Dana has more than 25 years of experience documenting climate efforts and researching climate activism. She knows what she’s talking about and we should listen. 🌍

[Andrea Wenger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book argues that the path to end climate change is through political activism. To me, that just seems woefully naive. Certainly, activism can be part of the solution. This book gives an overview of how to do that, although it’s largely theoretical. Still, the book is well-written and authoritative, and worth a read for anyone interested in the subject.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.

[Duncan McLaren · Rating 3 out of 5]

A useful survey of the state of US climate activism, and a strong reinforcement of the need for activism to deliver adequate action. But fails to live up its opening claims of demonstrating how growing climate impacts might actually lead to enhanced action, rather than more placebo politics.

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read if you're an climate activist and view much of the policies and promises as green-washing, incrementalism, or 'Tinkerbell' wishful thinking.

Fisher labels McKibben as radical because he is now engaging in civil disobedience. I found that odd.

[Brenden Gallagher · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid if slight overview of the state of play in climate activism.